I'm going through the exact same frustration right now! My claim got flagged about 10 days ago and I can't certify online anymore - just keeps telling me to contact customer service which is impossible. I've tried calling at 8am sharp, during lunch hours, even late afternoon, and either get busy signals or sit on hold for hours before getting disconnected. It's absolutely maddening when you're already stressed about finances and then can't even access the system that's supposed to help. After reading through all these comments, I'm seriously considering trying that Claimyr service too - it sounds like multiple people have actually gotten through and resolved their issues with it. The fact that we have to pay a third party just to reach our own unemployment office is ridiculous, but at this point I'd rather pay something than waste another week of my life on hold. Has anyone had luck with the state legislator route? That seems like it might be worth trying as well.

I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now - been trying to reach Washington ESD for over a week about my claim that suddenly got flagged for verification. The phone system is completely broken and it's honestly making my unemployment situation so much more stressful than it already is. I've tried calling right at 8am, during lunch, using the redial trick, nothing works consistently. Either busy signals or I sit on hold for 2+ hours just to get disconnected. After reading through all these comments though, I'm really considering trying that Claimyr service everyone's mentioning. The success stories here are pretty convincing and at this point I'd rather pay something than waste another week of my life on hold. It's ridiculous that we have to resort to paying a third party just to access our own unemployment benefits, but when you're facing rent and bills, you do what you have to do. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - at least now I know there might actually be a solution that works!

If anyone runs into issues reaching Washington ESD customer service, seriously check out that Claimyr service mentioned earlier. Game changer for actually talking to a human being when you need help.

Just went through this exact same process a few months ago! The key things you need are your Social Security number, driver's license, and detailed employment history for the last 18 months (company names, addresses, dates, wages). Don't stress too much - the online application walks you through everything step by step. Most importantly, apply TODAY - don't wait! Your benefit week starts from when you file, not when you were laid off, so every day you delay is money lost. The whole application takes about 45 minutes if you have your info ready. Good luck!

I'm dealing with adjudication too and wanted to share something that might help! I was stuck for almost 6 weeks earlier this year after my tech company did mass layoffs. The thing that finally got my case moving was when I realized I needed to upload EVERYTHING that proved it was a legitimate layoff - not just the termination letter. I ended up uploading: the original layoff notice, emails about company restructuring, news articles about the layoffs (if there were any), and even LinkedIn posts from coworkers who were also let go. Basically anything that showed this was a business decision affecting multiple people, not just me. The other thing that helped was calling ESD and specifically asking them to put a note on my file about the urgency due to financial hardship. I explained that I was about to miss rent and they flagged my case for expedited review. Got approved within 5 days after that call. I know it's frustrating when you can't get through on the phone, but keep trying different times. Early morning (8-9 AM) on weekdays seemed to work better than afternoons. You've got this - legitimate layoffs almost always get approved, it just takes way longer than it should unfortunately.

I'm so sorry you're going through this stressful situation! Adjudication is unfortunately ESD's way of investigating discrepancies in your claim before they can approve benefits. From what you've described - being laid off when your entire department was eliminated - this sounds like a clear-cut case that should resolve in your favor once they review the evidence. The most important thing right now is to keep filing those weekly claims no matter how pointless it feels. When you do get approved, you'll receive backpay for all the weeks you claimed during adjudication. Also, make sure you're checking your ESD Letters section daily - sometimes they request additional information and missing those requests can delay your case even longer. Since you mentioned having the layoff documentation, get that uploaded to your account ASAP if you haven't already. The sooner they have proof that this was a business decision rather than performance-related, the faster they can make their determination. I know the financial stress is overwhelming when rent is coming due, but hang in there. Most legitimate layoff cases do get approved - it just takes way longer than anyone should have to wait. You're definitely not alone in this frustrating process!

Just wanted to add my experience with intercepts - I had one for unpaid state taxes that I completely forgot about from 2019. Washington ESD sent me a notice about 2 weeks before the intercept started, which gave me time to understand what was happening. They took $100 per week from my $450 weekly benefit for about 6 weeks. The process was actually pretty straightforward once I knew what to expect. The key thing is they can't leave you with nothing - there are minimum amounts they have to let you keep for basic living expenses.

I've been dealing with intercepts myself and wanted to add some perspective. The system actually works pretty fairly once you understand it. I had an intercept for old unemployment overpayments from 2020 that I honestly forgot about. They sent me a detailed notice explaining they'd take $50 per week from my $380 weekly benefit until the $400 debt was paid off. What I appreciated was that the notice clearly showed I'd still get $330 per week, which was enough to cover my basic expenses. The whole thing was resolved in 8 weeks and now my benefits are back to the full amount. The key is just making sure you report your work hours accurately when filing your weekly claims so you don't create new overpayments.

One more tip - keep copies of everything you submit for your new claim. You never know when you might need to reference it later.

I went through this exact situation last year and here's what I learned: Start checking your ESD account regularly about 6-8 weeks before your benefit year ends - they'll post instructions specific to your case. The key is having enough qualifying wages during your current benefit year. If you worked even part-time, collect all your pay stubs and W-2s now. I had worked a temp job for 3 months and that was enough to qualify for a new claim. The online application takes about 45 minutes if you have all your documents ready. Don't wait for the last minute - I filed mine 2 weeks early and had zero gap in payments.